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Following the May 17 decision by Mauritania's Supreme Court to release from prison the president and vice president of IRA-Mauritania, a prominent anti-slavery organization, Freedom House issued the following statement:

"Freedom House welcomes the release from prison of anti-slavery activists Biram Dah Abeid and Brahim Bilal," said Vukasin Petrovic, director for Africa programs. "Civil society plays a crucial role in eradicating slavery in Mauritania, a role the government of Mauritania should recognize by releasing all other activists imprisoned for advancing the cause of equal rights."

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IFEX publishes original and member-produced free expression news and reports. Some member content has been edited by IFEX. We invite you to contact media@ifex.org to request permission to reproduce or republish in whole or in part content from this site.

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